Optimizing Your Fourth Year Douglas S. Ander, MD Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine Director Undergraduate Medical Education Directory Emory Center for Experiential Learning Emory University School of Medicine

Career Choice  Final career choice needs to be made.

EM Rotations  Why? –Finalize career choice –Audition –Program evaluation (by you) –Unique educational experience (for you) –Letters of recommendation –Clinical skills –Course grade

EM Rotations  Where? –Home program if available and consider an audition elective. –If no home program choose elective at a strong EM residency program.

EM Rotations  When? –Before September’ish  Remember letters of recommendation need to be in file by September/October. –September through January  Clinical experiences  Grade

EM Rotations  How? –Web sites, , word of mouth, mentors, and telephone  Remember first impressions.  Plan in early spring  How Many? –Most students will do two EM rotations

Other Electives  Three categories –Flexibility for interviews –Supplement clinical experience prior to interviews –Fun

Other Electives  Critical care  Cardiology  Orthopedics  Radiology  Anesthesiology  Pediatrics  Ophthalmology  Otolaryngology  Toxicology  Research  Exotic

Step 2 and CS  First decide based on your Step 1 score if you need to take Step 2 –Low = definitely take –Above Average/High = Wait –Average = Your call  When does your school require completion

Application  Complete by September/October –Programs start to review applications in Oct. –The more complete the more likely you will be granted an interview –Important to have EM letters of recommendation

Interview season  December and January –Consider vacation –Rotations that allow for traveling (flexibility) –Make sure program director knows who you are

Post-Interviews  Thank you notes  Reminders  Have FUN!

Research  Pros –Understand the research process –Publications and presentations –Networking  Cons –Time consuming –No instant gratification

Research  Do I have to do research? –No  What type? –Genuine interest in the topic  Other options? –Reviews, curriculums, administrative projects

Understand EM Issues  Educate yourself on important issues –Read EM websites –Join an EM organization –Be able to demonstrate an understanding of important issues facing emergency physicians  Malpractice  Nursing shortage  ED Overcrowding  Ambulance diversion

Be honest with yourself  Examine your record –Be honest with yourself –Have someone else be honest for you (need a good mentor)  If you have an average record –Apply broadly –Consider a backup plan –What else makes you special

Extracurricular Activities  Community Service  International experiences  Organizational involvement  Advanced degrees

Networking  Go to meetings (regional and national)  Visit programs  Talk to graduates  Use faculty contacts from your school

Letters of Recommendation  3-4 letters (2 from EM faculty)  Balance between someone who knows you and a leader  Consider extra time with the faculty

RELAX!!!!!!!!